By Mustapha Sumail
NAN-HG-7
Health
By Mustapha Sumaila
Bauchi, July 20, 2017 (NAN) Plan International, a donor agency in Nigeria, on Thursday said it had earmarked on $30 million for neonatal and maternal health care in Bauchi state.
The Country Director, Dr Hussaini Abdu, disclosed this while handling over life support ambulances and antenatal kits, donated by the agency, to Bauchi state government in Bauchi.
Abdu said that his organisation which had spent one and half years in Nigeria would run its programme for four and half years in the state.
He stated that the donor agency was currently working in 10 local governments to boost maternal and child health care in the state.
According to him, the intervention was necessary because Bauchi state was one of the states with high maternal and infant mortality rate in the country.
He explained that the three brand new ambulances donated to the government were to enhance health care service delivery in the state.
The country director said Plan International had also presented 6,000 antenatal kits for onward distribution to the poor and vulnerable women, especially the pregnant ones that needed such items.
He promised that 25 laptops would be given to data collectors in the communities in th state to strengthen health management information System.
According to him, about 3,000 mobile phone will be used by community volunteers for emergency’s needs.
Abdu disclosed that the project was funded by Global Affairs Canada and was being implemented by Plan International Nigeria.
Gov.Mohammed Abubakar commended the donor agency for its intervention and pledged his support and cooperation to ensure the success of its programme.
Abubakar said that his administration was committed to quality healthcare delivery and revamping of the health sector of the state, in spite the economic challenges confronting the nation.
He said that the present administration in the state had carried renovated 86 primary health care facilities to enhance routine immunisation.
According to him, the state government has also revived the School of Nursing and Midwifery to boost human resources in the health sector.
The governor noted that the intervention by the donor agency was not only commendable but also timely. (NAN)
MS/OSA/DUA
Edited by MS/OSA/DUA